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1. 1. What does “redemption” mean?

“Redemption” means the act or process to redeem by paying the total delinquent tax amount to remove the tax judgment lien on the property and to avoid the impending loss of the property.

2. 2. What happens if delinquent taxes are not paid before the redemption period expires?

Failure to pay the delinquent tax amount before the redemption period expires results in the property forfeiting to the state in trust for the local taxing districts.

3. 3. Who is notified of the expiration of redemption?

All parties with a legal interest in the property.

4. 4. What methods are used to notify parties with a legal interest in the property?

•Posting of notice – primarily for mortgages and lien holders

•Publication of notice – all parties holding an interest in the property

•Certified mailing of notice – primarily for owners and taxpayers

•Service of notice – specifically for occupants of the property

5. 5. What determines if the redemption period is 3 or 5 years?

The length of time depends on the classification and the location of the property when the tax judgment was taken.

6. 6. What are the payment options to pay the delinquent tax amount before forfeiture of the property ?

•Pay all delinquent taxes in a single lump sum

•If taxes are due for two or more years, payments may be made in inverse order (delinquent tax amount due immediately preceding the current year) before the redemption period expires until all delinquent taxes are paid in full

•If eligible – the property owner or taxpayer may “confess judgment” by signing an agreement to pay the total delinquent amount due in installments.

7. 7. What is the definition of “Total Delinquent Tax Amount”?

•Unpaid delinquent real property taxes

•Unpaid delinquent special assessments (if any)

•Penalties imposed on unpaid real estate property taxes and special assessments (if any) during the year when taxes are due

•Total interest accrued on the delinquent taxes, penalties and county costs up through the time of payment

•County costs for administering the delinquent tax laws